TGI Fry-Day: Fried Clam Roll at Mary's Fish Camp

Located in the West Village, Mary's Fish Camp boasts a seafood menu that will appease any fried fish fan. A standout on their lunch menu is their Fried Clam Roll ($14). The first bite is a mix of flavors and textures: the pipping hot clams rest over a cooling celery root remoulade—made even more flavorful thanks to capers, red onions and chives—and it's all cradled in a fresh roll, next to a refreshing side of slaw. Of course, the fried clams dominate the dish: these battered mollusks are crispy, crunchy and copious. Such roll overflow necessitates extensive utensil work, but, when each mouthful tastes this good, who cares if a knife and fork come to the rescue?

Tip: Mary's is small—even by West Village standards—and they do not take reservations. We ate during the end of their lunch service and spotted just one available two-top and only a few bar seats. Avoid the waiting game at their Park Slope location: Brooklyn Fish Camp is spacious enough that they actually advertise that they "dig" private parties.